Episode 17

Two days after the events at the warehouse, Ethan returned to Tabitha's house. The mansion rested in a small valley, surrounded by trees that swayed gently to the rhythm of a cool autumn breeze. Tabitha was in the garden, sitting on a wrought-iron bench adorned with delicate arabesques. Her expression was contemplative, and she held a small flower in her hands, idly turning it between her fingers. When she saw Ethan walking along the stone path that led to the bench, she quickly stood up, relief evident in her eyes.

“Ethan!” she called, her voice filled with contained emotion. “Did you find anything?”

He approached, his posture stiff and face serious, but when he saw how anxious she was, he softened his tone to avoid alarming her. “We found Scorpio, but he managed to escape… wounded.” He paused, watching her closely. “Tabitha, we need to return to London. This game is not over.”

Tabitha listened to his words in silence for a few moments, absorbing the seriousness of the situation. Then, something in her gaze shifted. Fear gave way to determination, and she lifted her chin firmly. “If there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll do it.”

For a moment, Ethan stood still, surprised by her willpower. He placed a comforting hand on her waist and pulled her to him, his fingers firm but gentle. “Your presence is already enough.” He flashed a brief but sincere smile. “There’s a social dinner tonight, and Eddington will be there. I need you to come with me.”

Tabitha furrowed her brow, concerned. “The Duke of Eddington?”

“I saw it, Tabitha. There’s no doubt. Eddington is Scorpio.”

Tabitha froze, her body tense as if the words had struck directly at her soul. “Eddington?” she murmured, disbelief mixing with the anger that quickly rose. “Was it him? Was it him who destroyed my family?”

Her eyes, once filled with vulnerability, were now fixed on Ethan, full of pain and resolve. The question hung in the air, charged with raw emotion.

“Tabitha… everything points to him.”

She took a deep breath, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to emerge, but her expression hardened. “Then we need to end this.”

For a moment, silence settled between them, but it wasn’t empty. It was thick, full of unspoken meanings. They knew what lay ahead would require not only courage but also an unwavering mutual trust. Ethan stepped forward, placing a firm hand on her shoulder. “I promise I won’t rest until we get justice for your family. You’re not alone, Tabitha.”

She nodded, the pain turning into resolve. “And I won’t back down. If he’s the one responsible, he will pay.”

Ethan hesitated. The wind rustled the branches above them, scattering golden leaves around. He closed his eyes for a moment, as if weighing his words. The hours following their reunion were marked by moments of silent camaraderie between the two. After deciding on their next steps, Ethan and Tabitha went for a walk through the fields surrounding the mansion. The weather was cloudy, and the air carried the fresh scent of wet earth.

Tabitha wore a simple yet elegant cream-colored dress and a wool coat that contrasted with her loose hair falling over her shoulders. Ethan, as always, dressed practically in a dark coat and boots that revealed his noble origins. Yet, there was something in the way he walked alongside her that conveyed a care beyond words.

“Why do you insist on protecting me so much?” Tabitha asked suddenly, looking at the horizon. Ethan stopped walking and turned to face her. For a moment, he seemed to struggle with his words, an unusual occurrence for such a direct man.

“Because you’ve been through too much. More than anyone should. And, to be honest… I don’t want you to get hurt again.”

She blushed slightly, averting her gaze. But a shy smile played on her lips. “You’ve been through a lot too, Ethan. You don’t have to carry it all alone.”

The silence that followed was comfortable. They continued walking, their steps synchronized. He pointed to a small stream in the distance, where the water shimmered in the light filtering through the clouds. Tabitha shared stories from her childhood, drawing genuine smiles from Ethan, who momentarily seemed to forget the weight of the responsibilities he carried. “I never thought I could trust someone so much again, Ethan,” she said, her voice soft, almost a whisper.

Ethan remained silent for a moment, his black eyes fixed on Tabitha, as if trying to decipher the feelings she hid behind her determined demeanor. There was something in the way she looked at him, unwavering, that made him question everything he knew about himself. Finally, he spoke, his voice softer than usual, almost a whisper. “I never thought anyone could make me want to be better, Tabitha. But you… you do.”

Tabitha was taken aback, her heart racing at the unexpected intensity of his words. For a moment, the shadows of loss and pain that always loomed over her gave way to something warmer—love.

“Ethan…” she began, but the strength of her emotions made her hesitate. She briefly looked away, trying to find the right words, but she just shook her head and smiled, a small yet sincere smile. Before she could respond, the sound of the carriage wheels they had ordered to be prepared approached and disrupted the moment.